Ohneganos Highlights Indigenous Water Knowledge at AIA Climate Symposium
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada,January 31, 2026-The Ohneganos Ohnegahdę:gyo project participated in the Art in Action (AIA) Climate Symposium on January 31, 2026, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. The symposium brought together artists, scientists, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and community members to explore collaborative responses to climate change.
Ohneganos, led by Dawn Martin Hill, is an Indigenous-led water research initiative that combines Haudenosaunee knowledge with Western science to address water insecurity. At the symposium, the team contributed to both panel discussions and interactive exhibits focused on sustainability, water sovereignty, and environmental change.
A central feature of Ohneganos’ presence was its immersive virtual reality experience, the Ohneganos VR. . The exhibit invited participants to journey along the Grand River, blending storytelling and scientific data to illustrate environmental changes over time and highlight Indigenous relationships with water. The experience emphasized the importance of water stewardship and offered a powerful, accessible way to engage audiences in climate issues.
In panel discussions, Ohneganos members addressed ongoing concerns about water access and quality in Indigenous communities. These conversations underscored the need for culturally grounded, community-driven solutions and highlighted the value of integrating multiple knowledge systems in climate research and policy.
The AIA Climate Symposium created space for interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation, encouraging participants to share ideas and strategies for sustainability. Ohneganos’ contributions reflected its broader mission to promote water security, empower communities, and support youth engagement through research, education, and technology.
By bridging Indigenous knowledge and scientific approaches, Ohneganos continues to demonstrate how collaborative, inclusive solutions can play a vital role in addressing today’s environmental challenges. Read more here